Is Charleston or Hardeeville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Hardeeville is safer than Charleston (Safety Score 51/100 vs 31/100), with a total crime rate of 1,667 per 100,000 versus 2,379 for Charleston — 30% lower. Charleston has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Charleston has a 69% lower rate.
Note: Charleston is 11.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Hardeeville — 1-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Charleston, SC
Hardeeville, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Charleston | Hardeeville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,379.3 | 1,666.7 | +712.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 357.6 | 160.1 | +197.4 |
| Murder Rate | 4.5 | 14.6 | -10.1 |
| Rape Rate | 28.0 | 0.0 | +28.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 42.7 | 36.4 | +6.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 282.4 | 109.2 | +173.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 1,506.6 | +515.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 139.6 | 327.5 | -187.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,656.5 | 1,106.3 | +550.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 225.6 | 72.8 | +152.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston or Hardeeville safer?
Hardeeville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,667 per 100K vs 2,379 for Charleston — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Charleston has a violent crime rate of 357.6 per 100K while Hardeeville has 160.1. Hardeeville has lower violent crime.
About Charleston, SC
Charleston, a historic port city founded in 1670, boasts cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture. Situated on a peninsula, its population is predominantly white, with a significant Black community contributing to its rich Lowcountry culture. With a safety score of 31/100 and a population coverage of 156,898, Charleston has a total crime rate of 2,379.3 per 100,000 residents.
About Hardeeville, SC
Hardeeville, South Carolina, established during the railroad boom, is a Lowcountry town situated in Jasper County. It serves as a gateway to Hilton Head Island and Savannah, drawing a diverse population. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 13,740, Hardeeville has a total crime rate of 1,666.7 per 100,000 residents.